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Jim Hansen Takes The Reins of Idaho Democrats

Jim Hansen, the executive director of the progressive group United Vision For Idaho, told supporters today that he is stepping down from his post, to take a new job.

Also today, Idaho Democratic Party leaders say they're ready to announce their new executive director. They have declined to say who.

Hansen did, however.

"My new position will be as executive director of one of Idaho's political parties. I'll let you guess which one," Hansen wrote in a postscript to his farewell notice, sent out this morning.

"On April 15, I will accept a new and exciting challenge and therefore will be completing my term as executive director of the partner organizations United Vision for Idaho and United Action for Idaho," Hansen wrote.

Hansen will replace former executive director John Foster, who is now at work on Walt Minnick's campaign. Minnick faces Larry Grant in the Democratic primary for the First Congressional District. Foster left the executive director position after marked success as a fund raiser, but not without sparking some tension among party regulars.

Party officials declined to confirm Hansen's new title. Party chairman Keith Roark, a Hailey attorney, is set to make the announcement at 11 a.m.

Hansen was most recently himself a candidate for CD2. He ran against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, a Republican. In that 2006 matchup, Simpson won easily, but not before facing Hansen in a tense television debate on Idaho Public Television.